A mother who is grieving has described the man responsible for the murder of her pregnant daughter and grandchildren, Damien Bendall, as a “psychopath” and a “master manipulator.”
Damien Bendall’s heinous act, involving the brutal killings of Terri Harris, her children John Bennett and Lacey Bennett, as well as their friend Connie Gent, shook the community of Derbyshire in 2021.
Speaking to the BBC, Ms Smith recounted the initial charm of Bendall, who eventually exerted control over her daughter, leading to disturbing changes in her behavior. Ms Smith emphasized the need for better protection and prevention measures, highlighting the need for effective intervention in cases involving domestic violence.
Bendall, with a history of severe and violent offenses, was given a whole-life order after being convicted of the four murders in December 2022. The inquest revealed multiple failures in supervision and missed opportunities concerning Bendall’s behavior and the risks he posed. Ms Smith expressed disappointment at the lack of communication and action within the system, stressing the urgent need for change.
The discussion of Clare’s Law, which could potentially help prevent such tragedies, was a significant point of focus for Ms Smith and Jade Donovan, another relative of Ms Harris. They highlighted the importance of making the application process more straightforward and ensuring that responses can be sent to close relatives.
Their meetings with ministers and Home Office officials brought to light the limitations of the existing system and the need for comprehensive reform. Despite the challenges they faced in advocating for change, they remain determined to improve the effectiveness of Clare’s Law, striving to create a safer environment for vulnerable individuals.
In the wake of the devastating loss of her daughter, Ms Smith’s poignant words shed light on the urgency of implementing stronger measures to protect those at risk, underscoring the need for a more proactive and responsive approach to preventing domestic violence.
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